Pass Laboratories XP-22 Preamplifier ($9,500). I’ve heard it on another system and it’s a fantastic pairing with their X350.8 amplifier.

I’ve heard wonderful things about this amplifier. Might have to get one in.

First Watt SIT-3 ($4,000) Debut: Release date is expected to be early June 2018. The SIT-3 has more power, more damping factor and less distortion than the previous designs. It retains their desired second harmonic character with even fewer higher order harmonic components.

ANTICABLES were cabling many listening rooms this year (Rooms #339, 470, 721, and 622 to name a few).

Wynn Audio went above and beyond to bring two channel into the EXPO Hall via this stand-in room. There wasn’t any music when I stuck my head in here but you could check out how effective this box was at isolating the show noise here. Thank you, Wynn Audio for sending it.

I bet these Atrevit Acoustic speakers sound…organic.

Just go digital folks. No cleaning required. I kid I kid…not really.

Zavfino makes some fancy cables and tonearms…

Kanto makes some affordable powered speakers

I took this shot before getting hit in the back of the head by Bill Potett. Excited to get more review gear in.

An interesting Kickstarter that incorporates a Bluetooth speaker into a suitcase. Can’t wait to use this at an Airbnb.

Ah, my first headphone amplifier. Paired beautifully with the Audeze LCD-3s. Not sure about the red accents…

Since 1999, Perfect Seal Laboratories, Inc., has been at the forefront of innovative earmold technology by providing the highest in quality craftsmanship and customer service. We originally built our reputation by specializing in state-of-the-art hearing aids, and are now applying our expertise to produce the very best in music earbuds and sound protection plugs!

Eartech Music is a custom in-ear studio dedicated to making the highest quality and most affordable in-ear products for musicians, sound engineers and audiophiles.

Also on our Hit List, the AR-M200 ($399.00). A nice pairing and impressive sound for the money. Will be getting one in for review soon. Enables you to remote from a cellphone (similar to a Chord Poly + Mojo combo).

Not 100% sure this is Gayle Sander’s car but depending on the year…estimated to be worth at least $2 million. That’s about 35 Wilson Alexia Series-2 speakers and three times as many Eikons…

You can’t go around AXPONA without Morrow Audio all up on your face. That’s because they’re on all the event bags at the show! I’m a huge fan of Mike Morrow’s philosophy used in his SSI cable technology (Solid core wire, small gauge, individually insulated strands). We’re excited to get some cables in for review very soon.

Can’t go through the Ear Gear section without noticing these beauties. These Auris Headonia 2A3 headphone amplifiers allow two listeners…at two different headphone impedances. It’s the first headphone amp I’ve seen with this nice feature. Real wood, Real leather. Price? $9,200.

Auris Headonia 2A3 ($9,200)

I wonder how this sounds with the Omega Compact Alnico Monitors. Nice to finally meet the great Bill Evans.

The new PS Audio P20 Power Plant ($10,000) could be found in many of the listening rooms.

Journey/Creation Complex: PS Audio. To the side of the EXPO Hall, you’ll find some PS Audio gear with Goldenear Triton loudspeakers. This configuration sounded much better than I had anticipated. Clean, warm, and musical.

RUEL Audio: Also on our Hit List. I don’t think the room/tent was kind to this setup but it’s a fascinating design. The base R+ starts with 7 modules and you could stack as many as you need to reach your ceiling. This aims to remove the sweet spot by providing an even sound level throughout the room. There’s huge potential. I can’t wait to revisit this system again in a proper room. For more info.

About The Author

Mr. Audio Bacon himself. An open-minded electrical engineer and software developer by trade. I have an obsession with the enjoyment of all things media - specifically in the realm of music and film. So much heart and soul (and money) go into the creation of this artistry. My aim is to find out which products get me closer to what the musicians and directors intended.